Wednesday, September 10, 2008

It's Justice Gildea vs. Judge Hedlund

It's now official. It will be Hennepin County District Court Judge Deborah Hedlund who will face off against Justice Lorie Skjerven Gildea in the general election in November. Hedlund squeaked by Jill Clark, who fought a highly aggressive campaign, which included filing unsuccessful state and federal court actions to get Gildea disqualified from the ballot.

Hedlund got about 17.86 percent of the vote to Clark's 17.43. (Gildea, the first place finisher for the seat, got 53.44 percent).

Analysis:

I think the voters got it right here. While Clark's campaign was hard fought, she dedicated the lion's share of it to trying to get one of her opponents disqualified and to challenging the word "incumbent" on the ballot. I think some of that time might have been better served doing what is incumbent on all candidates -- making the case for why they are the best choice. The publicity surrounding the various court challenges gave Clark some name recognition, but also may have rubbed some voters the wrong way.

By contrast, Hedlund concentrated on what she would potentially add to the mix -- years of experience as a trial court judge. Whether or not you buy Hedlund's argument that the high court needs someone with her background, it's a more constructive approach.

It appears to me that Ms. Clark did advocate for her superior qualifications as well as challenge her opponent's unfair advantage. The vote tallies confirm Ms. Clark's assertion that incumbent is an unfair advantage on the ballot. Could it be that it was the media that chose to focused on the ballot challenge and not the candidates' qualifications?

Superior qualifications? That is hilarious! I've seen her work and she files frivolous motions and is a terrible writer. I heard her on MPR talking about how "brilliant" she is (yes, she actually used that word) and I almost spit out my coffee. The fact that she "squeaked by" is truly frightening.

I have heard that when a lawyer runs a political campaign against an "incumbent" and loses, the rest of the judges gang up and blackball the loser. Does anyone have any evidence they would like to share about this process. Perhaps the FBI may also be interested. My name is Thomas Hussman. I am not a lawyer, but I was convicted of a crime that I did not commit in Hennepin County, in fact I was the victim. Oh well it was just my life savings and years of my life sacrificed. Thanks to all involved. I hope you sleep well.